Sermons on Despair:

Setting Hearts Free

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Oct 31, 2004

Jesus Christ sets us free from: 1. Cynicism 2. Despair 3. Self

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who passed away earlier this month at age 82, made his living playing the part of someone chronically depressed and making fun of himself because he “got no respect.” He would complain to his audiences with lines like: “I tell ya I get no respect from anyone. I ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Methodist

The Beginning Of… Covenant Promises Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 22, 2010

God’s promises deliver his people from despair and empower faithful living.

Scripture Introduction Lest we suspect that God is like Santa, winking at sin and hoping we will be more nice than naughty, the Bible records the catastrophic and world-wide flood in the days of Noah – God’s judgment on the rampant violence and wickedness which characterized mankind. ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

He Lives Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 13, 2009

The women encountered a living Jesus and seeing Jesus changed their lives from giref and despair to hope.

John 20:1-18 “He Lives” INTRODUCTION During the first three days of July in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg raged. An argument could be made that that battle had a significant effect on the outcome of the war and ultimately on our lives. Still, having occurred over 140 years ago the battle is ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

In The Middle Of It All

Contributed by Samuel Fulkerson on Sep 19, 2013

Heaven and Earth; Life and Living; Sin and Righteous; Hope and Despair... Jesus is right in the Middle of it All!

Quotes: “There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil.” -Ayn Rand “Then answered the Jews, and said unto him [Jesus], Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” –John ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 8:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

Die To Himself PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 3, 2023

Explores Elijah's despair, emphasizing the challenges of faith and the importance of trusting God's plan in times of difficulty.

Good morning, dear friends. It is a joy to be here with you today. We gather in this place of worship, in the presence of our Lord. We are united in our faith, our love for God, and our desire to understand His word. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of 1 Kings. Specifically, we will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:4

Topics: Death

Who Should Consider Leading? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Presumption says God’s timing or His knowledge is insufficient and I’ve got to do something to fix the problem. But there is another form of pride… DESPAIR. Despair says waiting on God is a fool’s wait. God will not fulfill His promises.

“Jazzland”, a New Orleans-themed park, was built on acres of swamp-land outside of the city in 2000, was purchased by Six Flags and changed names in 2002. During Hurricane Katrina, Six Flags was completely flooded and an estimated 70-80% of the park was destroyed, leaving it much too expensive to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Faith Works! Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 20, 2017

Use your faith to serve. Then use your works to show that your faith is real. It will save you from a debilitating despair in the midst of your own trials.

A state trooper was parked on the side of the road, waiting to catch speeding drivers, when he saw a car puttering along at 22 mph. Knowing that a slow driver is just as dangerous as a speeder, the state trooper turned on his lights and pulled the car over. As he approached the vehicle, the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

My Trials, So Hard, Will Soon Be Over

Contributed by Brian Matherlee on Oct 3, 2006

Everyone has trouble and the psalmist displays 3 attitudes that will allow God to draw us out of despair.

The Psalmist displays 3 things that will help overcome despair: 1. Passion (42:1) a. There’s a story of a young American engineer who was sent to Ireland by his company. It was a two-year assignment. He had accepted it because it would enable him to earn enough to marry his long-time girlfriend. ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

How Long, O Lord?

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 17, 2001

In our times of despair, we are like David and ask "How long, O Lord, how long!"

First Baptist Church July 15, 2001 Psalm 13 How Long, O Lord? Have you ever been in a bad situation, everything seemed to be mounting up against you and you wondered how long will this last? Maybe it was an illness, maybe it was a loved one who was dying, maybe a career that was being cut short ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Name "Jesus"

Contributed by David Scudder on Dec 23, 2008

“Truly, no name can banish fear like the name of Jesus: it is the beginning of hope and the end of despair.” Spurgeon

The Name “Jesus” Matthew 1:21 Purpose: To display Christ’s role as savior. Aim: I want the listener to glory in who Jesus is and worship Him passionately. INTRODUCTION: "There are two hundred and fifty-six names given in the Bible for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I suppose this was because He was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:21

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Nov 8, 2020

How do you go from deep despair to the heights of joy? Psalm 22 holds the key.

“ … when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered [Jesus] wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when He tasted it, He would not drink it. And when they had crucified Him, they divided His clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:32-46

Denomination: United Methodist

Cain And Abel Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 29, 2017

Cain and Abel establish a Biblical cycle that goes back and forth between promise and hope and disobedience and despair.

ENGAGE It’s one of those things that when it’s right, you don’t even notice it. And yet it is still one of the most important aspects of a joyful, fulfilling life. It’s undoubtedly important in music. When everyone on the worship team plays and sings right along with it, the music sounds great. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

Fire Burns Inward, Love Radiates Outward Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on May 12, 2025

To be a pilgrim of hope in a time like ours is to walk through the ashes of despair carrying a lantern lit by the Spirit.

Title: Fire Burns Inward, Love Radiates Outward Intro: To be a pilgrim of hope in a time like ours is to walk through the ashes of despair carrying a lantern lit by the Spirit. Scriptures: Acts 2:1-11, Romans 8:8-17, John 14:15-16, John 14:23-26. Reflection Dear Sisters and Brothers, There ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-11, Romans 8:8-17, John 14:15-16, John 14:23-26

Denomination: Other

Black Friday PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 21, 2023

Explores Jesus' sacrifice, the despair before His resurrection, and the transformative hope His resurrection offers to believers.

Good morning, blessed family of God. What a privilege it is to gather together, to be in the house of the Lord, to share in the fellowship of believers, and to immerse ourselves in the life-giving Word of God. We find ourselves on the precipice of a profound and transformative message today, a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-34

Topics: Black Friday

Gods Own Cause

Contributed by Charles Jones on Jan 31, 2022

When we feel overwhelmed by trouble and despair, it is easy to forget what we know about God.

God's Own Cause Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily. Psa 74:22. Prayer is the atmosphere that every Believer breathes; it is something that we cannot do without, if we are going to retain our spiritual life, it’s just like the body which ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 74:22

Denomination: Pentecostal